Do you want to work in Singapore? It is an excellent country for employment. Singapore has a booming job market and offers work-life balance and several employee benefits. Those interested in Singapore must apply for a Singapore work visa. The visa will permit you to enter the country. In Singapore, the work visa is called a ‘pass’. There are different types of passes available. Depending on the type of work you want to undertake apply for a relevant pass. The application can be made at the Ministry of Manpower’s official website. Keep reading to learn more about the Singapore Employment visa for Indians.
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
- Types of Singapore Employment Visa for Indians
- Basic Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa
- How Much Salary is Good in Singapore?
- What is the Age Limit to Work in Singapore?
- General Documentation Requirements for a Singapore Employment Visa
- Who Needs to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
- How to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
- Fees Required for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians
- Singapore Employment Visa & Validity Period
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Work Visa in Singapore?
- Can I Renew My Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
- Can I Get a Singapore Work Visa without a Job Offer?
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Singapore Work Visa?
- Do Indians Get a Singapore Visa Easily?
- FAQs
What is a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
The Singapore Employment visa is called a valid pass. There are different types of employment visas or passes available. The passes are provided as per the occupation a foreigner wants to undertake. Depending on the pass, you are your employer can apply for it. The application for a work visa can be filed after obtaining the work permit.
Types of Singapore Employment Visa for Indians
The Singapore Employment Visa is of different types. You need to know about it to apply for the right employment pass. The types of visas are provided below:
- Employment Pass (EP)– This is meant for foreign professionals, executives, and managers. You need to earn at least SGD5000 per month and clear the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to obtain this pass.
- EntrePass– Those who want to start a business with innovative technologies or venture-backed businesses in Singapore can apply.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)– This is meant for high-earning foreigners or applicants who already hold an employment pass. PEP is known to offer greater flexibility.
- Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass– This pass is for top talents in arts and culture, business, sports, research or academia.
- S Pass- Skilled workers who earn at least SGD3150 can apply for this.
- Training Employment Pass- This is for foreigners who are undergoing professional training. You must earn at least SGD3000 to apply for this.
- Miscellaneous Work Pass-This pass is given to undertake short-term work. For example, to speak at a seminar, to work as a journalist or religious worker. This pass is available for 60 days only.
Note– Apart from the above employment passes, passes are available separately for dependents and family members. To learn about the dependent passes you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Manpower.
Basic Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa
Here we have provided the basic eligibility criteria to apply for a Singapore employment visa for Indians. Note- the exact eligibility criteria would depend on the visa/pass you are applying for.
- Age– You must be at least 18 years of age to work in Singapore
- Job offer– You must have a job offer from a recognised employer in Singapore
- Salary- You must have the salary required for the pass. Each pass has a different salary requirement.
- Meet the COMPAS Points- For certain passes like the EP, you have to meet specific points. The COMPASS is a transparent point based system. It takes into account your attributes, firm-related attributes, such as salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment.
- Meet the Business Criteria– If you are applying for a business pass, you need to meet the business criteria set up, For example, you must be registered, supported by a government-recognised incubator, hold intellectual property, etc.
- Meet the Fixed Salary Criteria– Instead of meeting points, certain passes require you to get a job offer with a fixed salary.
- Qualifications- You must have educational or professional qualifications to undertake the job. Moreover, you must have documents to provide the same.
Know All About Singapore Student Visa for Indians
How Much Salary is Good in Singapore?
The salary required to get a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians depends on the visa you are applying for. The qualifying salaries are provided below:
Visa | Qualifying Salary |
Employment Pass (EP) | Fixed monthly salary comparable to the top 1/3rd of local PMET salaries That is, amount starting from SGD5,000 and increasing with age, up to SGD10,500 for those in the mid-40s. |
EntrePass | No stipulated minimum salary. |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD22,500. |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) | Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least SSGD30,000 (for 1 year leading up to the date of application), or earn at least SSGD30,000 fixed income from the future employer |
S Pass | At least SGD3,300 (all expect financial services), or SGD3,800 (for those in financial services) |
Training Employment Pass | NA |
Miscellaneous Work Pass | NA |
What is the Age Limit to Work in Singapore?
You need to know about the age limit before you apply for a visa. The age limit to work in Singapore is provided below:
Particulars | Age Limit |
Age limit to work in Singapore | 17 years |
Age limit to apply for a Singapore work visa | 18 years |
Retirement age in Singapore | 62 years |
Maximum age limit to work in Singapore | 65 years |
General Documentation Requirements for a Singapore Employment Visa
While applying for a Singapore employment visa for Indians submit several documents. Below we have provided some documents that you need irrespective of the employment visa you are applying for. You need to provide additional documents depending on your work visa.
- Passport– The passport must be issued in the last 10 years and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay.
- Job offer- Proof that you have received a job offer from a Singapore-based employer
- Joining letter– provided to you by your employer.
- Proof of accommodation- Proof that you have arranged your accommodation in Singapore
- Proof of funds- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. For example, show your bank statements for the last 6 months.
- Proof of Qualifications– You need to provide your educational documents and documents related to work experience.
- Proof of health insurance– Health insurance is not mandatory. However, it is recommended that you get one.
- Additional documents– Provide additional supporting documents as per the visa/pass you are applying for.
Who Needs to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
The Singapore Employment Visa is applied by the employer or the applicant directly. Exactly who is eligible to apply depends on the visa type. Therefore, we have provided the information below.
Visa | Who Can Apply |
Employment Pass (EP) | An employer or appointed employment agent |
EntrePass | You can apply directly. |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | You can apply directly. |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) | Appointed employment agencies and employers. You can also apply directly. |
S Pass | Employer or appointed employment agent (EA) |
Training Employment Pass | An employer needs to apply for the pass. |
Miscellaneous Work Pass | An employer or local sponsor |
How to Apply for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
If the employer is submitting the application form then the employer will get written consent from you to apply for an Employment Pass on your behalf. On the other hand, if you are applying for a visa then you need to fill out the application form by yourself. The application process is as follows:
- Visit the Ministry of Manpower’s official website, and go to the visa application page.
- Next, choose the employment visa you want to apply for
- On the re-directed page choose the option to apply for a visa
- Then, select the option to submit an online application
- On the myMOM Portal, you can register your account, and fill out the visa application form
- At this stage, you need to upload your documents/employee’s documents and pay the visa fee
- After 10 business days, you can check the visa application status
- In case of visa approval, you need to print out the In-principle approval or the IPA letter.
- The employee may be called to submit the biometric information and photographs.
- The employee will be given 6 months to enter the country
- After arriving in Singapore the IPA letter must be shown to the immigration officer
- Medical examinations will take place, and you have to comply with the same
- Thereafter, you can enter Singapore can work as long as your visa is valid
- You need to apply for visa renewal before your current visa expires to prolong your stay.
To learn about the application process for a Singapore employment pass, watch this video:
Fees Required for a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians
The visa application fee varies depending on the visa type. We have provided the fees for each visa type below.
Visa | Application Fees |
Employment Pass (EP) | SGD 105 |
EntrePass | SGD 105 |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | SGD 105 |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) | SGD 105 |
S Pass | SGD 100 |
Training Employment Pass | SGD 105 |
Miscellaneous Work Pass | SGD 175 |
Note- Aside from the application fee, you will have to pay ta fees for around SDG 225 when you get the pass issued. The visa fees are subject to change. Therefore, you should visit the official website of the Ministry of Manpower to verify the fees.
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Singapore Employment Visa & Validity Period
The validity period of a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians varies depending on the visa type. Below we have provided the validity period of each work visa type:
Visa | Validity Period |
Employment Pass (EP) | Up to 2 years |
EntrePass | Up to 1 year |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | Up to 3 years. |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) | Up to 5 years |
S Pass | Up to 2 years |
Training Employment Pass | Up to 3 months. |
Miscellaneous Work Pass | Up to 60 days. |
How Long Does it Take to Get a Work Visa in Singapore?
The Singapore visa processing time is provided below. A visa processing can be extended if additional verification is required.
Visa | Processing Time |
Singapore Employment Visa/Pass | 10 business days to 8 weeks |
Can I Renew My Singapore Employment Visa for Indians?
The renewability of the visa depends on the visa type. Therefore, we have provided the renewability details of each visa below:
Visa | Renewability |
Employment Pass (EP) | Up to 3 years |
EntrePass | First up to 1 year, thereafter 2 years |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | Not available |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) | Up to 5 years |
S Pass | Up to 3 years. |
Training Employment Pass | Not available |
Miscellaneous Work Pass | Not available |
Can I Get a Singapore Work Visa without a Job Offer?
No. You cannot get a Singapore work visa without a job offer letter. Therefore, to work in Singapore you need to be hired by a recognised employer. Moreover, the salary you would earn must meet the minimum salary requirement set for the visa type.
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Singapore Work Visa?
Singapore government has not provided a minimum bank balance for a work visa. It is estimated that as a foreigner you need at least INR 50,000 in your bank account. Besides this, you must receive a salary specified for the employment visa type.
Do Indians Get a Singapore Visa Easily?
You can get a Singapore Employment Visa for Indians as long as you meet the visa requirements. At present, the employment pass (EP) visa success rate is around 93%. This means that as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, submit the documents, and have met the salary requirement for the visa you are applying for you will get the visa.
Just ensure that you are submitting accurate information, and providing the necessary documents. The exact visa application success rate varies depending on the visa type.
FAQs
Yes. Indians can get jobs in Singapore. You can check out the popular job sites and look for jobs that you are eligible for. Once you get a job offer, and the salary meets the visa requirements, you can apply for a visa.
Yes. Singapore is giving work visas to eligible Indian workers. There are several work visas available. For example, the Employment Pass (EP), Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, and more. Depending on your salary and occupation you can apply for the correct visa type.
Singapore has a competitive job market. Therefore, to get a job you must be highly skilled. You need to get a job offer that meets the minimum salary criteria to get a visa.
We hope you now understand all about the Singapore Employment Visa for Indians. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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